Liquid filtration systems, components, and methods

ABSTRACT

Filter assemblies, filter modules, and filtration systems and methods.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/754,843, filed Jan. 21, 2013, the entire contents of which arespecifically incorporated by reference without disclaimer.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to liquid filtration, moreparticularly, but not by way of limitation, to liquid filtrationsystems, components, and methods with improved housing, filter, andfilter-cap configurations (e.g., for facilitating filter replacement).

2. Description of Related Art

Examples of filtration systems are disclosed in: (1) U.S. Pat. No.5,486,288; (2) U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,772; and (3) U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/013,269, filed Dec. 14, 2004, and published as Pub. No. US2005/0092673.

SUMMARY

This disclosure includes embodiments of filtration systems, assemblies,apparatuses, and methods.

Some embodiments of the present filter assemblies comprise: a filterhaving a passageway; and a body configured to be coupled to the filter,the body having an inner side, an outer side, and an opening extendingbetween the inner side and the outer side, the outer side including arecess with a first transverse dimension and at least one secondtransverse dimension that is smaller than and inward of the firsttransverse dimension; where the opening extends from the recess throughthe distal end of the projection. In some embodiments, the body includesa plurality of ribs disposed in the recess and defining the at least onesecond transverse dimension. In some embodiments, the outer side of thebody includes an outer projection extending away from the inner side toan end configured to extend into a filter connection portion of a filterhousing, the recess disposed in the outer projection and extending fromthe end of the outer projection toward the end of the inner projection.In some embodiments, the inner side comprising an inner projection withan end configured to extend into the passageway of the filter, theopening extends through the inner projection, and the first transversedimension is closer to the end of the inner projection than the firsttransverse dimension. In some embodiments, the filter cap is coupled tothe filter.

In some embodiments of the present filter assemblies, the filterassembly is disposed in a filter chamber of a filter housing. In someembodiments, e the filter housing comprises: a first housing member; asecond housing member configured to be coupled to the first housingmember and having a connection portion with an inner side and an outerside that is configured to face away from the filter chamber, the outerside having a filter inlet and a filter outlet; and a filter valvecoupled to at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet, thefilter valve biased toward a closed configuration in which fluidcommunication is substantially prevented through the filter valve.

Some embodiments of the present filter modules comprise: a filterhousing having a filter chamber (the filter housing comprising: a firsthousing member; a second housing member configured to be coupled to thefirst housing member and having a connection portion with an inner sideand an outer side that is configured to face away from the filterchamber, the outer side having a filter inlet and a filter outlet; and afilter valve coupled to at least one of the filter inlet and the filteroutlet, the filter valve biased toward a closed configuration in whichfluid communication is substantially prevented through the filtervalve); a filter configured to be disposed in the filter chamber; and afirst filter cap configured to be disposed between the connectionportion of the second housing member and the filter to maintain thefilter valve in the open position such that fluid communication ispermitted through the filter valve between the filter chamber and atleast one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet. In someembodiments, the filter valve comprises: a valve body having a valveseat and coupled in fixed relation to the second housing member; aplunger having a first end, a second end, and a passageway extendingthrough the plunger and the second end, the plunger coupled to the valvebody such that the plunger is movable between an open position in whichthe second end of the plunger is spaced apart from the valve seat and aclosed position in which the second end of the plunger is pressedagainst the valve seat; and a spring configured to bias the plungertoward the closed position where the filter valve is configured topermit fluid communication through the passageway of the plunger if theplunger is in the open position. In some embodiments, the connectionportion of the second filter housing member comprises a valve couplingportion, the second filter housing configured such that the valvecoupling portion will engage a filter coupling portion of a manifoldassembly to permit the filter housing to be coupled to the manifoldassembly.

Some embodiments of the present systems comprise: a first filter housingincluding a filter chamber and a connection portion having a filterinlet and a filter outlet; a first filter valve coupled to at least oneof the filter inlet and the filter outlet of the first filter housing,the first filter valve biased toward a closed configuration in whichfluid communication is substantially prevented through the first filtervalve; a first filter configured to be disposed in the filter chamber ofthe first filter housing; a first filter cap configured to be disposedbetween the connection portion of the first filter housing and the firstfilter to maintain the first filter valve in an open configuration topermit fluid communication through the first filter valve between thefilter chamber and the at least one of the filter inlet and the filteroutlet of the first filter housing; and a manifold assembly (themanifold assembly comprising: a manifold body having a manifold inlet, amanifold outlet, and a first filter connection portion configured toengage the first filter housing to couple the first filter housing tothe manifold assembly; and a first valve member movably coupled to themanifold body, the first valve member having a valve outlet configuredto communicate with the filter inlet of the first filter housing, and avalve inlet configured to communicate with the filter outlet of thefirst filter housing, the first valve member configured to be movablebetween a closed position in which fluid communication is substantiallyprevented between the manifold inlet and the valve outlet of the firstvalve member, and an open position in which fluid communication ispermitted between the manifold inlet and the valve outlet of the firstvalve member; where the first filter connection portion is configured toresist removal of the first filter housing when the first valve memberis in the open position).

In some embodiments of the present systems, the first valve member isrotatably coupled to the manifold body, and the first valve member isconfigured to engage the first filter housing such that rotation of thefirst filter housing by ninety degrees or less relative to the manifoldbody simultaneously couples the first filter housing to the manifoldassembly and rotates the first valve member to the open position. Insome embodiments, the first filter valve comprises: a valve body havinga valve seat and coupled in fixed relation to the filter housing; aplunger having a first end, a second end, and a passageway extendingthrough the plunger and the second end, the plunger coupled to the valvebody such that the plunger is movable between an open position in whichthe second end of the plunger is spaced apart from the valve seat and aclosed position in which the second end of the plunger is pressedagainst the valve seat; and a spring configured to bias the plungertoward the closed position; where the filter valve is configured topermit fluid communication through the passageway of the plunger if theplunger is in the open position. In some embodiments, the connectionportion of the first filter housing comprises a valve coupling portion,the first valve member comprises a filter coupling portion, and thefilter coupling portion is configured to engage the valve couplingportion if the filter housing is coupled to the manifold body. In someembodiments, the first filter housing comprises: a first housing member;and a second housing member configured to be coupled to the firsthousing member and having the connection portion, the connection portionhaving an inner side and an outer side that is configured to face awayfrom the filter chamber, the outer side having the filter inlet and thefilter outlet.

Some embodiments of the present systems further comprise: a secondfilter housing including a filter chamber, a filter inlet, and a filteroutlet; and a second filter configured to be disposed in the filterchamber of the second filter housing; where the manifold body of themanifold assembly has a second filter connection portion configured toengage the second filter housing to couple the second filter housing tothe manifold assembly; and where the manifold assembly furthercomprises: a second valve member movably coupled to the manifold body,the second valve member having a valve outlet configured to communicatewith the filter inlet of the second filter housing, and a valve inletconfigured to communicate with the filter outlet of the first filterhousing, the first valve member configured to be movable between aclosed position in which fluid communication is substantially preventedbetween the manifold inlet and the valve outlet of the second valvemember, and an open position in which fluid communication is permittedbetween the manifold inlet and the valve outlet of the second valvemember; where the second filter connection portion is configured toresist removal of the second filter housing when the second valve memberis in the open position. In some embodiments, the second filter housingincludes a connection portion having the filter inlet and the filteroutlet of the second filter housing, and the system further comprises: asecond filter valve coupled to at least one of the filter inlet and thefilter outlet of the second filter housing, the second filter valvebiased toward a closed configuration in which fluid communication issubstantially prevented through the second filter valve; a second filtercap configured to be disposed between the connection portion of thesecond filter housing and the second filter to maintain the secondfilter valve in an open configuration to permit fluid communicationthrough the second filter valve between the filter chamber and the atleast one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet of the second filterhousing.

Some embodiments of the present systems further comprise: a third filterhousing including a filter chamber, a filter inlet, and a filter outlet:and a third filter configured to be disposed in the filter chamber ofthe third filter housing; where the manifold body of the manifoldassembly has a third filter connection portion configured to engage thethird filter housing to couple the third filter housing to the manifoldassembly; and where the manifold assembly further comprises: a thirdvalve member movably coupled to the manifold body, the third valvemember having a valve outlet configured to communicate with the filterinlet of the third filter housing, and a valve inlet configured tocommunicate with the filter outlet of the first filter housing, thefirst valve member configured to be movable between a closed position inwhich fluid communication is substantially prevented between themanifold inlet and the valve outlet of the third valve member, and anopen position in which fluid communication is permitted between themanifold inlet and the valve outlet of the third valve member; where thethird filter connection portion is configured to resist removal of thethird filter housing when the third valve member is in the openposition. In some embodiments, the third filter housing includes aconnection portion having the filter inlet and the filter outlet of thethird filter housing, the system further comprising: a third filtervalve coupled to at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outletof the third filter housing, the third filter valve biased toward aclosed configuration in which fluid communication is substantiallyprevented through the third filter valve; and a third filter capconfigured to be disposed between the connection portion of the thirdfilter housing and the third filter to maintain the third filter valvein an open configuration to permit fluid communication through the thirdfilter valve between the filter chamber and the at least one of thefilter inlet and the filter outlet of the third filter housing.

Any embodiment of any of the present systems, apparatuses, and methodscan consist of or consist essentially of—rather thancomprise/include/contain/have—any of the described steps, elements,and/or features. Thus, in any of the claims, the term “consisting of” or“consisting essentially of” can be substituted for any of the open-endedlinking verbs recited above, in order to change the scope of a givenclaim from what it would otherwise be using the open-ended linking verb.

Details associated with the embodiments described above and others arepresented below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation.For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structureis not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears.Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identicalstructure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate asimilar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as maynon-identical reference numbers. The figures are drawn to scale (unlessotherwise noted), meaning the sizes of the depicted elements areaccurate relative to each other for at least the embodiments depicted inthe figures.

FIGS. 1-7 are various views of one embodiment of the present filtermodules including a filter housing and a filter disposed in the filterhousing, and suitable for use in and/or with some embodiments of thepresent filtration assemblies.

FIGS. 8A-8E are various views of a plunger for use in a valve assemblyof some embodiments of the present filter housings.

FIGS. 9A-9E are various views of a valve body for use with the plungerof FIGS. 8A-8E in a valve assembly of some embodiments of the presentfilter housings.

FIGS. 10A-10C are various views of a first filter cap configured for usein the filter module of FIGS. 1-7.

FIGS. 11A-11B are various views of a second filter cap configured foruse in the filter module of FIGS. 1-7.

FIGS. 12-19D are various views of a first embodiment of the presentmanifold assemblies for use with the filter module of FIGS. 1-7 in someembodiments of the present filtration systems.

FIGS. 20A-20B are various views of a first embodiment of the presentfiltration systems including a manifold assembly of FIGS. 12-19D and onefilter module of FIGS. 1-7.

FIGS. 21 and 22-29B are various views of a second embodiment of thepresent manifold assemblies for use with two of the filter module ofFIGS. 1-7 in some embodiments of the present filtration systems.

FIG. 21A depicts an alternate version of the manifold assembly of FIG.21.

FIGS. 30A-30B are various views of a second embodiment of the presentfiltration systems including a manifold assembly of FIGS. 21-29B and twofilter modules of FIGS. 1-7.

FIGS. 31 and 32-37D are various views of a third embodiment of thepresent manifold assemblies for use with three of the filter module ofFIGS. 1-7 in some embodiments of the present filtration systems.

FIG. 31A depicts alternate version of the manifold assembly of FIG. 31.

FIGS. 38A-38B are various views of a third embodiment of the presentfiltration systems including a manifold assembly of FIGS. 31-37D andthree filter modules of FIGS. 1-7.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The term “coupled” is defined as connected, although not necessarilydirectly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are “coupled”may be unitary with each other. The terms “a” and “an” are defined asone or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. Theterm “substantially” is defined as largely but not necessarily whollywhat is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially90 degrees includes 90 degrees and substantially parallel includesparallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Inany disclosed embodiment, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,”and “about” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of” what isspecified, where the percentage includes 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 percent.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and“comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and“having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and“including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains”and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a system orapparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or moreelements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited topossessing only those elements. Likewise, a method that “comprises,”“has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more steps possesses those one ormore steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or moresteps.

Further, a structure (e.g., a component of an apparatus) that isconfigured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but itcan also be configured in other ways than those specifically described.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-11B,shown therein and designated by reference numeral 10 is an embodiment ofthe present filter modules and its components, such as may be used, forexample, for filtering tap water for drinking and the like (e.g., in atleast some embodiments of the present filtration systems, as describedbelow). FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of filter module 10; FIGS. 2and 3 depict side views of filter module 10; FIG. 4 depicts a top viewof filter module 10; FIG. 5 depicts an exploded perspective view offilter module 10; FIGS. 6A-6B depict enlarged side cross-sectional viewsof an upper portion of filter module 10; and FIG. 7 depicts a sidecross-sectional view of filter module 10. In the embodiment shown,filter module 10 comprises a filter housing 14, and a filter assembly18. Filter housing 14 is configured to be coupled to (e.g., and/orreceive, as shown) filter assembly 18, and includes a filter inlet 22configured to receive a liquid to be filtered, and a filter outlet 26configured to permit filtered liquid to exit the filter housing. In theembodiment shown, inlet 22 and outlet 26 each comprises a projection(e.g., a nipple) 30 or 34, respectively, having a circularcross-sectional shape and one or more (e.g., two, as shown) annulardepressions or grooves 38, with each groove 38 configured to receive anO-ring 42, as shown. In other embodiments, inlet 22 and outlet 26 cancomprise or extend through any suitable fittings (e.g., fittings with asquare cross-sectional shape, etc.).

In the embodiment shown, housing 14 comprises a filter chamber 46, afirst housing member 50, and a second housing member 54 configured to becoupled to first housing member 50 (e.g., via corresponding threadedportions 58 and 62). In this embodiment, second housing member 54 has aconnection portion 66 with an inner side 70 and an outer side 74 that isconfigured to face away from filter chamber 46. As shown, outer side 74includes filter inlet 22 and filter outlet 26 (and projections orfittings 30 and 34). In the embodiment shown, filter module 10 furthercomprises a filter valve 78 coupled to at least one of the filter inletand the filter outlet (e.g., to filter inlet 22, as shown). In someembodiments, such as the one shown, filter valve 78 has a closedconfiguration (FIG. 6A) in which liquid is substantially prevented fromflowing through the filter valve, and an open configuration (FIG. 6B) inwhich liquid is permitted to flow through the filter valve, and filtervalve 78 is biased toward the closed configuration. For example, in theembodiment shown, filter valve 78 comprises a valve body 82 having avalve seat 86 (e.g., having a rubber or other resilient seat surface,such as may be provided by a washer 90) and is coupled in fixed relationto second housing member 54.

In this embodiment, and as shown in detail in FIGS. 9A (perspectiveview), 9B-9C (side views), 9D (top view), and 9E (bottom view), valvebody 82 comprises a frusto-conical lower portion 94 having a flange 98extending radially outward from the larger upper end of thefrusto-conical lower portion 94, and a cylindrical wall 102 extendingupward from flange 98. In this embodiment, an upper end 106 ofcylindrical wall 102 includes an upper edge 110 defined by a triangularcross-sectional shape of the cylindrical wall. In this embodiment,cylindrical wall 102 is configured to fit around (e.g., in a press-fitrelationship) a corresponding cylindrical portion of second housingmember 54 and/or into a corresponding groove in second housing member 54(e.g., as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B). In the embodiment shown, valve body 82includes a pair of guide slots 114 extending vertically along a majority(e.g., all) of the height of, and on opposite sides of, frusto-conicallower portion 94. As shown, sides 118 of guide slots 114 can benon-parallel (relative to each other), such as, for example, withradially inner portions of opposing sides 122 being closer together thanradially outer portions of opposing sides 122. In this embodiment, lower(and radially inward) ends 122 of guide slots 114 are narrower thanupper (and radially outward) ends 126 of guide slots 114, and theportion of guide slots 114 disposed in frusto-conical lower portion 94linearly transition between the respective widths of lower ends 122 andupper ends 126.

In this embodiment, valve body 82 also includes a pair of valve openings130 disposed on opposite sides of a lower part of the height offrusto-conical lower portion 94, each disposed between guide slots 114.In addition to valve openings 130, guide slots 114 are also configuredto permit liquid to flow through the lower portions of the guide slotswhen the filter valve is in the open configuration (FIG. 6B). As shown,sides 132 of valve openings 130 can be parallel (relative to eachother), such as, for example, with radially inner portions of opposingsides 132 being substantially the same distance apart as are radiallyouter portions of opposing sides 132. In the embodiment shown, valvebody 82 also includes a lower cylindrical portion 134 extending downwardfrom the smaller lower end of the frusto-conical portion, and a bottomwall 138 extending across the bottom of cylindrical portion 134 toretain washer 90. In this embodiment, valve body 82 also includes acentral post 142 extending upward from the center of bottom wall 138, asshown, and configured to center and/or retain washer 90 and to center aplunger 146 of the filter valve when the filter valve is in the closedconfiguration (FIG. 6A).

In this embodiment, and as shown in detail in FIGS. 8A (perspectiveview), 8B-8C (side views), 8D (top view), and 8E (bottom view), plunger146 has a first end 150, a second end 154, and a passageway 156extending through the plunger and the second end. Plunger 146 isconfigured to be slidably coupled to valve body 82 such that the plungeris movable between an open position (FIG. 6B) in which second end 154 ofthe plunger is spaced apart from valve seat 86 and a closed position(FIG. 6A) in which second end 154 of the plunger is pressed againstvalve seat 86. In the embodiment shown, plunger 146 includes a hollowcylindrical portion 158 extending from second end 154 toward first end150, and a divided extension portion 162 extending from cylindrical bodyportion 158 to first end 150. In this embodiment, extension portion 162has an X-shaped cross-section with four symmetrical quadrants around itslongitudinal axis. In other embodiments, extension portion 162 can haveany suitable cross-sectional shape. In the embodiment shown, cylindricalportion 158 includes a groove 166 that is closer to extension portion162 than to second end 154, and is configured to receive an O-ring 170to provide a movable seal between cylindrical portion 158 and secondhousing portion 54 when plunger 146 is disposed in filter inlet 22. Inthis embodiment, extension portion has a maximum transverse dimension174 that is smaller than a maximum transverse dimension (diameter) 178of cylindrical portion 158. As used here, “maximum” does not imply thatextension portion 162 must have multiple, differing transversedimensions (it need not); “maximum” instead means that, should extensionportion 162 have multiple such transverse dimensions, no such transversedimension is larger than maximum dimension 174 (the term “maximum” isused in this same way throughout this disclosure). In the embodimentshown, filter inlet 22 has an outer portion 182 with diameter thatcorresponds to dimension 174 (e.g., is larger than dimension 174 butsmaller than dimension 178), and an inner portion 186 with a diameterthat corresponds to dimension 178 (e.g., is larger than dimension 178but smaller than an uncompressed dimension of O-ring 170 when O-ring 170is disposed around plunger 146 in groove 166). Cylindrical portion 158and extension portion 162 (and their respective maximum transversedimensions 174 and 178) are configured to center plunger 146 in filterinlet 22 to ensure that plunger 146 can freely slide between its openand closed positions, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B.

In the embodiment shown, plunger 146 also includes lateral projections190 extending radially outward from cylindrical portion 158. As shown,projections 190 each includes an inner end 194 having a widthcorresponding to (e.g., less than) the width of lower end 122 of eachguide slots 114 in valve body 82, and an outer end 198 having a widthcorresponding to (e.g., less than) the width of upper end 126 of eachguide slot 114. Because upper ends 126 of guide slots 114 are radiallyoutward of lower ends 122, projections 190 of plunger 146 are configuredto permit plunger 146 to slide linearly along a longitudinal axis ofplunger 146 relative to valve body 82 while helping to maintain theplunger in a centered position (resist deflection of second end 154 ofthe plunger) relative to the valve body. In the embodiment shown, filtervalve 78 also comprises a spring 202 configured to bias the plungertoward the closed position. For example, spring 202 can be compressedand disposed between lateral projections 190 of the plunger and innerside 70 of second housing member 54 such that the tendency of spring 202to expand to its resting state pushes the plunger away from inner side70 of the second housing member. In this embodiment, filter valve 78 isconfigured to permit fluid communication through passageway 156 ofplunger 146 if the plunger is in the open position (FIG. 6B).

In the embodiment shown, filter assembly 18 comprises a filter 206having a central longitudinal passage 208 and configured to be disposedin filter chamber 46, and a first filter cap 210. In some embodiments,such as the one shown, first filter cap 210 is configured to be disposedbetween connection portion 66 (e.g., inner side 70 of connection portion66) of second housing member 54 and filter 206 to maintain filter valve78 in the open position (FIG. 6B) such that fluid communication ispermitted through filter valve 78 between filter chamber 46 and at leastone of filter inlet 22 and filter outlet 26. For example, in theembodiment shown, first filter cap 210 is configured to be disposedbetween filter 206 and inner side 70 of connection portion 66 tomaintain filter valve 78 in the open position such that fluidcommunication (e.g., liquid flow) is permitted through filter valve 78between filter inlet 22 and filter chamber 46. In the embodiment shown,filter 206 can be similar in any of its construction and/or materials tothe filter found in the Model AQ-4000, AQ-4025, or AQ-4035 filterassemblies (e.g., Cartridge A and/or Cartridge B of either Model)available from Aquasana, Inc., Austin, Tex., USA. As such, the filtersof filter assembly 18 may (like the filters in the Aquasana, Inc. filterassemblies models just described) comprise carbon, and, morespecifically, may be characterizable as activated carbon filtrationfilters (such as those configured to remove impurities from water),and/or may have one or more of the following features: an operatingpressure range of 20-50 pounds per square inch, a rated capacity of 500gallons, a maximum operating temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, amaximum flow rate of 0.4 gallons per minute.

In this embodiment, and as shown detail in FIGS. 10A (top view), 10B(bottom view), and 10C (side cross-sectional view), first filter cap 210has a first or inner end 214 configured to face filter 206, and a secondor external end 218 configured to face away from filter 206. In theembodiment shown, filter cap 210 includes generally cylindricalprojection 222 projecting from second end 218, and configured to extendinto a recess 226 (e.g., defined by a cylindrical wall 230) of secondhousing member 54 if filter assembly 18 is disposed in filter chamber46. In the embodiment shown, projection 222 includes one or more (e.g.,two, as shown) peripheral grooves 234, each configured to receive anO-ring 238 to provide a seal between projection 222 and the surface ofsecond housing member 54 (e.g., the inner surface of cylindrical wall230, as shown) that defines recess 226. In the embodiment shown, innerend 214 of filter cap 210 includes a cylindrical projection 242configured to extend into the central passageway of filter 206 (e.g.,the outer diameter of projection 242 is substantially equal to the innerdiameter of the central passageway in filter 206), and an annular recess246 configured to receive a first end 250 of filter 206 (e.g., with anouter diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of filter 206),both to help ensure that substantially all water flowing through thefilter inlet into the central passageway of filter 206 will flow throughthe cylindrical outer wall of filter 206 (as described in more detailbelow), and to help ensure that filter 206 can be securely coupled infixed relation to filter cap 210, at least when filter assembly 18 isdisposed in filter chamber 46. As shown, filter cap 210 further includesa passageway 254 extending through projection 222 and projection 242 topermit water to flow through first filter cap 210, as described in moredetail below.

In some embodiments, outer side 218 (e.g., projection 222) of firstfilter cap 210 includes a recess 258 with a first transverse dimension262 and at least one second transverse dimension 266 that is smallerthan first transverse dimension 262 and closer to the end of innerprojection 242 than is first transverse dimension 262. For example, inthe embodiment shown, first filter cap 210 includes a plurality ofridges 260 extending radially inward into recess 258 to define secondtransverse dimension 262, and second transverse dimension is larger thanthe bottom cylindrical portion 134 of valve body 82, but is smaller thana maximum transverse dimension 266 of plunger 146 (e.g., defined bylateral projections 190), such that lower cylindrical portion 134 ofvalve body 82 can extend into recess 258 beyond upper ends 270 of ridges260 and but lateral projections 190 cannot extend beyond upper ends 270of the ridges. As such, if filter valve 78 is fully seated in recess 258and projection 222 is fully seated in recess 226 (as shown in FIG. 6B),plunger 146 is moved to and/or maintained in its open position to permitliquid to flow through channel 154 of plunger 146 and through valveopenings 130 and guide slots 114 of valve body 82.

In this embodiment, and as shown in detail in FIGS. 11A (top view) and11B (side cross-sectional view), filter assembly 18 can comprise asecond filter cap 274 configured to be disposed between a second end 278of filter 206 and first housing member 50. In the embodiment shown,second filter cap 274 has a first or inner end 282 configured to facefilter 206, and a second or external end 286 configured to face awayfrom filter 206. In the embodiment shown, inner end 282 of filter cap274 includes a cylindrical projection 290 configured to extend into thecentral passageway of filter 206 (e.g., the outer diameter of projection290 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the centralpassageway in filter 206), and an annular recess 294 configured toreceive second end 278 of filter 206 (e.g., with an outer diametersubstantially equal to the outer diameter of filter 206), both to helpensure that filter 206 can be securely coupled in fixed relation tofilter cap 274, at least when filter assembly 18 disposed in filterchamber 46. As shown, while projection 290 can include a recess 298,filter cap 274 does not include a passageway extending throughprojection 290, such that water is not permitted flow through cap 274.As shown, outer end 286 of cap 274 can be substantially flat (e.g., tominimize and/or prevent the flow of liquid between second filter cap 274and first housing member 250), and inner end 282 of cap 274 can includea plurality of circular grooves 302 around projection 290. In otherembodiments, second filter cap 274 can be omitted and/or can be unitarywith first housing member 50 (e.g., first housing member 50 can includea projection similar to projection 290).

Referring now to FIGS. 12-20B, shown therein and designated by thereference numeral 400 is a first embodiment of the present manifoldassemblies for use with filter module 10 in some embodiments of thepresent filtration systems 500. FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view ofmanifold assembly 400; FIGS. 13 and 14 depict front and back views,respectively, of manifold assembly 400; FIG. 15 depicts a left side viewof manifold assembly 400; FIG. 16 depicts a top view of manifoldassembly 400; FIGS. 17A and 17B depict bottom views of manifold assembly400 with valves in closed and open configurations, respectively; FIG. 18depicts an exploded perspective view of manifold assembly 400; FIGS. 19Aand 19B depict front cross-sectional views of manifold assembly 400 withvalves in closed and open configurations, respectively; FIGS. 19C and19D depict side cross-sectional views of manifold assembly 400 withvalves in closed and open configurations, respectively. FIGS. 20A and20B depict perspective and front cross-sectional views, respectively, ofa filtration system 500 including manifold assembly 400 and one filtermodule 10.

In the embodiment shown, manifold assembly 400 comprises: a manifoldbody 404 having a manifold inlet 408, a manifold outlet 412, and a firstfilter connection portion 414 that is configured to engage first filterhousing 14 to couple filter module 10 to the manifold assembly (e.g., tomanifold body 404). In this embodiment, manifold assembly 400 alsocomprises a valve member 416 movably coupled to the manifold body. Asshown, first valve member 416 includes a valve outlet 420 configured tocommunicate with filter inlet 22 of filter housing 14 (of a first filtermodule 10), and a valve inlet 424 configured to communicate with filteroutlet 26 of filter housing 14 (of first filter module 10). In someembodiments, such as the one shown, first valve member 416 is configuredto be movable between a closed position (FIGS. 19A and 19C) in whichfluid communication is substantially prevented between manifold inlet408 and valve outlet 420 of the first valve member, and an open position(FIGS. 19B and 19D) in which fluid communication is permitted betweenmanifold inlet 408 and valve outlet 420 of the first valve member. Forexample, in the embodiment shown, first valve member 416 is rotatablycoupled to manifold body 404 such that first valve member 416 isconfigured to rotate (e.g., by 90 degrees, as shown) between the closedposition (FIGS. 19A and 19C) and the open position (FIGS. 19B and 19D).

In the embodiment shown, first valve member 416 has a generally(circular) cylindrical shape and includes an manifold mating surface 428configured to face a first valve mating surface 432 of manifold body404. As shown, manifold mating surface 428 includes a central projection436 configured to extend into a central recess 440 in upper portion 444of valve mating surface 432 to maintain the centered alignment of thefirst valve member relative to rotational axis 448. In this embodiment,manifold mating surface 428 of the first valve member includes a firstopening 452 offset from rotational axis 448, a second opening 456 offsetfrom rotational axis 448 and is positioned 180 degrees around rotationalaxis 448 relative to first opening 452. Similarly, first valve matingsurface 432 of the manifold body includes a first opening 460corresponding to first opening 452, an O-ring or other (e.g., resilient)seal 462 disposed in a groove in or otherwise coupled to valve matingsurface 432 around first opening 460, a second opening 464 correspondingto second opening 456, and an O-ring or other (e.g., resilient) seal 466disposed in a groove in or otherwise coupled to valve mating surface 432around second opening 464, such that: (1) when valve member 416 is inthe open position (FIGS. 19A and 19C), first opening 452 is aligned withfirst opening 460 and second opening 456 is aligned with second opening464; and (2) when valve member 416 is not in the closed position (FIGS.19B and 19D), first opening 452 is not aligned with (is positioned 90degrees around rotational axis 448 relative to) first opening 460, andsecond opening 456 is not aligned with (is positioned 90 degrees aroundrotational axis 448 relative to) second opening 464. In the embodimentshown, first valve mating surface 432 of manifold body 404 furtherincludes a third opening 468 disposed between first opening 460 andsecond opening 464 such that second opening 456 of manifold matingsurface 428 can be aligned with third opening 468 of valve matingsurface 432 to permit fluid flow through third opening 466 duringinsertion of fittings 30 and 34 of first filter housing 14 into valvemember 416 (e.g., to prevent air from being trapped air from interferingwith such insertion). In the embodiment shown, an O-ring or other (e.g.,resilient) seal 470 is disposed in a groove in or otherwise coupled tovalve mating surface 432 around third opening 468. In the embodimentshown, first opening 452 of first valve body 416 is offset from and influid communication with filter outlet 420 via channel 468, and secondopening 456 of first valve body 416 is aligned and in fluidcommunication with filter inlet 424.

First valve member 416 can be configured to engage filter housing 14such that rotation of the filter housing will rotate the first valvemember. For example, in the embodiment shown, first valve member 416includes a first recess 472 configured to receive fitting 30 of firstfilter housing 14, and a second recess 476 configured to receive fitting34 of first filter housing 14, such that if fittings 30 and 34 extendinto recesses 472 and 476, rotation of first filter housing 14 will alsorotate first valve member 416. In the embodiment shown, recesses 472 and476 have substantially circular cross-sectional shapes and have adiameter sized to compress O-rings 42 such that O-rings 42 seal thespace between fittings 30 and 34 and the surfaces of first valve memberthat define recesses 472 and 476. In the embodiment shown, first valvemember 416 also includes a filter coupling portion 480 configured toengage a valve coupling portion 484 of filter housing 14, such as, forexample, to prevent the use of filter housings that do not include valvecoupling portion 484. In the embodiment shown, filter coupling portion480 of the first valve member includes a projection from first valvemember 416 having a lower end 488 that extends below the lower ends ofrecesses 472 and 476, with lower end 488 having a U-shapedcross-section, as shown. In this embodiment, valve coupling portion 484includes a recess 492 (e.g., disposed in a projection 496 that isshorter than fittings 30 and 34, as shown) having a U-shapedcross-section corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of end 488 offilter coupling portion 480 such that filter coupling portion 480 canengage valve coupling portion 484 if first filter housing 14 is coupledto manifold body 404.

In the embodiment shown, valve body 404 includes a first cylindricalvalve recess 504 configured to receive first valve member 416. In thisembodiment, first valve member 416 includes a peripheral groove 508configured to receive an O-ring 512 to provide a seal between theperimeter of first valve member 416 and manifold body 404 in valverecess 504, as shown. In this embodiment, manifold assembly 404 furtherincludes a first retainer (e.g., plate) 516 configured to be coupled(e.g., via one or more screws) to manifold body 404 to resist removal offirst valve member 416 from first valve recess 504. As shown in FIGS.17A and 17B, retainer 516 includes one or more opening configured topermit fittings 30 and 34 of first filter housing 14 and filter couplingportion 480 of first valve member 416 to extend through retainer 516,and to permit the first valve member and the first filter housing torotate relative to retainer 516. In some embodiments, first filterconnection portion 414 is configured to resist removal of first filterhousing 14 when first valve member 416 is in the open position (FIGS.19A and 20B). For example, in the embodiment shown, first filterconnection portion 414 includes a plurality of (e.g., two, as shown)peripheral flanges 520 extending inward from and around a portion of aninterior circumference of manifold body 404. In this embodiment, secondhousing member 54 of first filter housing 14 includes a plurality of(e.g., two, as shown) flanges 524 extending outward from and around aportion of an exterior circumference of second housing member 54. Asshown, flanges 524 are configured to be disposed between (and thereforefit past flanges 520 when valve member 416 is in the closed position(FIG. 19A) to permit filter module 10 to be separated from manifoldhousing 400. Likewise, if first valve member 416 is in the open position(FIG. 19A) and first filter housing 14 is pressed inward to engage firstfilter member 416, first filter housing 14 can be rotated 90 degrees ina clockwise direction to cause flanges 524 to overlap flanges 520 andthereby resist removal of filter module 10 from manifold assembly 400.

Thus, in the embodiment shown, first valve member 416 (recesses 472 and476, and lower end 488) is configured to engage first filter housing 14(via fittings 30 and 34, and recess 492 of valve coupling portion 484)such that rotation of the first filter housing by ninety degrees or lessrelative to the manifold body (from the closed position of first valvemember 416 shown in FIG. 19A to the open position of first valve member416 shown in FIG. 19B) to simultaneously couple the first filter housingto the manifold assembly and rotate first valve member 416 to the openposition (FIG. 19B). With filter module 10 coupled to manifold assembly400 and first valve member 54 in the open position of FIG. 19B, water(or other liquid) entering manifold inlet 408 is directed throughopenings 460 and 452, and out of the manifold assembly via valve outlet420. As it exits the manifold assembly, the water (or other liquid) isdirected into filter module 10 via filter inlet 22, into the annularspace between the exterior of filter 206 and the interior of firstfilter housing 14, and is forced inward through filter 206. The water(or other liquid) then flows into passage 208, through valve 78 (throughxx 156 of plunger 146), and exits filter module 10 via filter outlet 26.As it exits the filter module, the water (or other liquid) is directedback into manifold assembly 400 via valve inlet 424, through openings456 and 464, and out via manifold outlet 412.

In the embodiment shown, valve body 404 includes a flange 528 with aplurality of elongated openings 532 each having a circular portion 536and an elongated portion 540. In this embodiment, each opening 532 isconfigured such that a screw or nail head can pass through circularportion 536 but not through elongated portion 540. As such, screws ornails can be driven into a (e.g., vertical) surface on which a userdesired to hang assembly 400 in positions corresponding to circularportions 536, and valve body 404 can be positioned with the heads of thescrews or nails passing through circular portions 536, and valve body404 can then be moved downward so the shafts of the nails or screws areextending through elongated portions 540 of openings 532 to resistmovement of valve body 404 away from the surface. In the embodimentshown, assembly 400 further includes a shroud 550 configured to bedisposed over at least a portion of valve body 404, as shown. Forexample, in this embodiment, shroud 450 extends over substantially allof the top and front, and over portions of the back and left and rightsides, of valve body 404, but does not extend over or cover the bottomof valve body 404.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-30B, FIGS. 21-29B are various views of asecond embodiment 600 of the present manifold assemblies for use withtwo filter modules 10 a and 10 b; and FIGS. 30A-30B are various views ofa second embodiment of the present filtration systems 500 a thatincludes a manifold assembly 600 and two filter modules 10 a and 10 b.FIGS. 26A, 27, 28A, and 28C show valve members 416 a and 416 b in closedpositions relative to valve housing 604 in which liquid is preventedfrom flowing between inlet 408 and outlet 412; and FIGS. 26B, 28B, 28D,and 29B show valve members 416 a and 416 b in open positions relative tovalve housing 604 in which liquid is permitted to flow between inlet 408and outlet 412. In the embodiment shown, filter modules 10 a and 10 bare identical to filter module 10. Manifold assembly 600 issubstantially similar in many respects to manifold assembly 400, withthe primary difference being that manifold assembly 600 is configured tobe coupled to two filter modules 10 a and 10 b, and manifold body 604 istherefore configured to receive two valve members 416 a and 416 b (e.g.,identical to valve member 416). As such, similar numbers (e.g., 10, 10a, 10 b; 416, 416 a, 416 b, etc.) are used to denote structures that aresimilar to corresponding structures in manifold assembly 400 and thefollowing description focuses primarily on the features of manifoldassembly 600 that differ relative to manifold assembly 400. In theembodiment shown, manifold body 604 includes a hollow chamber 608extending between opening 464 a (from which water or other liquid canflow from the filter outlet of first filter module 10 a) and opening 460b (through which water or other liquid can flow into the filter inlet ofsecond filter module 10 b) to permit the serial flow of water or otherliquid through both of filter modules 10 a and 10 b. As with assembly400, assembly 600 comprises a shroud 650 configured to be disposed overat least a portion of valve body 604, as shown. For example, in thisembodiment, shroud 650 extends over substantially all of the top andfront, and over portions of the back and left and right sides, of valvebody 604, but does not extend over or cover the bottom of valve body604. FIG. 21A depicts an alternate two-stage embodiment 600 a that issubstantially similar to assembly 600, with the exception that assembly600 a includes a shroud 650 a with a shape that differs from that ofshroud 650, as shown.

Referring now to FIGS. 31-37B, FIGS. 31-37D are various views of a thirdembodiment 700 of the present manifold assemblies for use with threefilter modules 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c; and FIGS. 38A-38B are various viewsof a third embodiment of the present filtration systems 500 b thatincludes a manifold assembly 700 and three filter modules 10 a, 10 b,and 10 c. FIGS. 35A, 36, 37A, and 37C show valve members 416 a, 416 b,and 416 c in closed positions relative to valve housing 704 in whichliquid is prevented from flowing between inlet 408 and outlet 412; andFIGS. 35B, 37B, 37D, and 38B show valve members 416 a, 416 b, and 416 cin open positions relative to valve housing 704 in which liquid ispermitted to flow between inlet 408 and outlet 412. In the embodimentshown, filter modules 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c are identical to filtermodule 10. Manifold assembly 700 is substantially similar in manyrespects to manifold assemblies 400 and 600, with the primary differencebeing that manifold assembly 700 is configured to be coupled to threefilter modules 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c, and manifold body 704 is thereforeconfigured to receive three valve members 416 a, 416 b, and 416 c (e.g.,identical to valve member 416). As such, similar numbers (e.g., 10, 10a, 10 b, 10 c; 416, 416 a, 416 b, 416 c, etc.) are used to denotestructures that are similar to corresponding structures in manifoldassemblies 400 and 600 and the following description focuses primarilyon the features of manifold assembly 700 that differ relative tomanifold assemblies 400 and 600. In the embodiment shown, manifold body704 includes a first hollow chamber 708 extending between opening 464 a(from which water or other liquid can flow from the filter outlet offirst filter module 10 a) and opening 460 b (through which water orother liquid can flow into the filter inlet of second filter module 10b), and includes a second hollow chamber 712 extending between opening464 b (from which water or other liquid can flow from the filter outletof second filter module 10 b) and opening 460 c (through which water orother liquid can flow into the filter inlet of third filter module 10c), to permit the serial flow of water or other liquid through filtermodules 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c. As with assemblies 400 and 600, assembly700 comprises a shroud 750 configured to be disposed over at least aportion of valve body 704, as shown. For example, in this embodiment,shroud 750 extends over substantially all of the top and front, and overportions of the back and left and right sides, of valve body 704, butdoes not extend over or cover the bottom of valve body 704. FIG. 30Adepicts an alternate three-stage embodiment 700 a that is substantiallysimilar to assembly 700, with the exception that assembly 700 a includesa shroud 750 a with a shape that differs from that of shroud 750, asshown.

In the embodiment shown, manifold assembly 700 also comprises a usagemeter 716 configured to detect the amount of flow through the filterunits 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, such as, for example, to alert a user whenfilters 206 of the filter units are scheduled to be replaced. Forexample, in this embodiment, usage meter 716 comprises a controller 720(e.g., mounted on a circuit board) and a switch 724. In the embodimentshown, switch 724 comprises a movable (e.g., pivotable) member (e.g.,tube) 728 disposed in chamber 712 and configured to rotate in acounterclockwise direction (when looking from inlet 408 toward outlet412) if liquid flows from opening 464 b to opening 460 c. For example,in the embodiment shown, movable member 728 is pivotably coupled torectangular end plates 730 that are configured to slide into chamber 712such that end plates 730 are not permitted to rotate relative to themanifold housing, but do permit movable member 728 to rotate relative tothe end plates and the manifold housing. In this embodiment, a spring732 is coupled to movable member 728 and end plates 730 and configuredto bias movable member toward a resting position, such that when liquidis not flowing from opening 464 b to opening 464 c, movable memberreturns to a resting position that is rotated clockwise relative to theposition occupied by movable member 728 when liquid is flowing.

In this embodiment, switch 724 includes a fixed portion 734 that isfixed relative to manifold body 704, and a movable (e.g., pivotable)portion 736 that is movable (e.g., pivotable, as shown) relative tomanifold body 704. In the embodiment shown, movable portion 736 of theswitch is coupled to pivotable member 728 by a rigid wire 740 such thatif water flows from opening 464 b to opening 460 c, pivotable member 728rotates counterclockwise and pushes (via wire 740) movable member 736upward toward fixed member 734 to close switch 724 (e.g., by bringingtogether magnetic or other contacts carried by movable member 736 andfixed member 734, respectively). When switch 724 is closed, controller720 (e.g., a counter of the controller) counts up to monitor theapproximate time of usage of the assembly during which liquid is flowingthrough the filter elements. The time of usage can be indicative of anumber of gallons that have been filtered. For example, in an embodimentdesigned for a flow rate of about 1 gallon per minute (e.g., at averageoperating pressures for residential applications), and filter elementswith an operating life of 500 gallons, the usage meter can be configuredto alert a user to replace the filter elements after recording 500minutes of flow through the assembly. For example, in the embodimentshown, usage meter 716 includes an LED light 744 in communication withcontroller 720 that can either be lighted or can change color when apredetermined period of time of usage has elapsed, to indicate to a userthat the filter elements should be replaced. In the embodiment shown,usage meter 716 further includes a button 748 to permit a user to resetthe counter when the filter elements are replaced (e.g., by depressingthe button once or by holding down the button for a period of time, suchas, for example, 2 seconds). In other embodiments, any suitable types ofusage meters, switches, and/or indicators (e.g., audible) may be used.Similarly, other embodiments of single-stage filter assemblies (e.g.,200, 400) may include usage meter 716 or other usage meters. In theembodiment shown, button 748 is coupled to a battery carrier 752 that isconfigured to be removably inserted into an opening 756 in shroud 750,such that a battery 760 carried by battery carrier 752 extends into areceptacle 764 in body 704 and is in electrical communication withcontroller 720.

The structures of the present systems, assemblies, and apparatuses, suchas the housing, manifold bodies, valve members, filter caps, and shroudscan be made with standard materials (e.g., plastic) using standardmanufacturing techniques (e.g., injection molding), and/or arecommercially available for purchase (e.g., O-rings, nipple fittings,seals, etc.).

The above specification and examples provide a complete description ofthe structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although certainembodiments have been described above with a certain degree ofparticularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments,those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to thedisclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of thisinvention. As such, the various illustrative embodiments of the presentdevices are not intended to be limited to the particular formsdisclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and alternativesfalling within the scope of the claims, and embodiments other than theone shown may include some or all of the features of the depictedembodiment. For example, components may be combined as a unitarystructure, and/or connections may be substituted (e.g., threads may besubstituted with press-fittings or welds). Further, where appropriate,aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined withaspects of any of the other examples described to form further exampleshaving comparable or different properties and addressing the same ordifferent problems. Similarly, it will be understood that the benefitsand advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or mayrelate to several embodiments.

The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted toinclude, means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such alimitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s)“means for” or “step for,” respectively.

1. A filter assembly comprising: a filter having a passageway; and abody configured to be coupled to the filter, the body having an innerside, an outer side, and an opening extending between the inner side andthe outer side, the outer side including a recess with a firsttransverse dimension and at least one second transverse dimension thatis smaller than and inward of the first transverse dimension; where theopening extends from the recess through the distal end of theprojection.
 2. The filter assembly of claim 1, where the body includes aplurality of ribs disposed in the recess and defining the at least onesecond transverse dimension.
 3. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherethe outer side of the body includes an outer projection extending awayfrom the inner side to an end configured to extend into a filterconnection portion of a filter housing, the recess disposed in the outerprojection and extending from the end of the outer projection toward theend of the inner projection.
 4. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherethe inner side includes an inner projection with an end configured toextend into the passageway of the filter, the opening extends throughthe inner projection, and the first transverse dimension is closer tothe end of the inner projection than the first transverse dimension. 5.The filter assembly of claim 1, where the filter cap is coupled to thefilter.
 6. The filter assembly of claim 5, where the filter assembly isdisposed in a filter chamber of a filter housing.
 7. The filter assemblyof claim 6, where the filter housing comprises: a first housing member;a second housing member configured to be coupled to the first housingmember and having a connection portion with an inner side and an outerside that is configured to face away from the filter chamber, the outerside having a filter inlet and a filter outlet; and a filter valvecoupled to at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet, thefilter valve biased toward a closed configuration in which fluidcommunication is substantially prevented through the filter valve.
 8. Afilter module comprising: a filter housing having a filter chamber, thefilter housing comprising: a first housing member; a second housingmember configured to be coupled to the first housing member and having aconnection portion with an inner side and an outer side that isconfigured to face away from the filter chamber, the outer side having afilter inlet and a filter outlet; and a filter valve coupled to at leastone of the filter inlet and the filter outlet, the filter valve biasedtoward a closed configuration in which fluid communication issubstantially prevented through the filter valve; and a filterconfigured to be disposed in the filter chamber; a first filter capconfigured to be disposed between the connection portion of the secondhousing member and the filter to maintain the filter valve in the openposition such that fluid communication is permitted through the filtervalve between the filter chamber and at least one of the filter inletand the filter outlet.
 9. The filter module of claim 8, where the filtervalve comprises: a valve body having a valve seat and coupled in fixedrelation to the second housing member; a plunger having a first end, asecond end, and a passageway extending through the plunger and thesecond end, the plunger coupled to the valve body such that the plungeris movable between an open position in which the second end of theplunger is spaced apart from the valve seat and a closed position inwhich the second end of the plunger is pressed against the valve seat;and a spring configured to bias the plunger toward the closed positionwhere the filter valve is configured to permit fluid communicationthrough the passageway of the plunger if the plunger is in the openposition.
 10. The filter module of claim 8, where the connection portionof the second filter housing member comprises a valve coupling portion,the second filter housing configured such that the valve couplingportion will engage a filter coupling portion of a manifold assembly topermit the filter housing to be coupled to the manifold assembly.
 11. Asystem comprising: a first filter housing including a filter chamber anda connection portion having a filter inlet and a filter outlet; a firstfilter valve coupled to at least one of the filter inlet and the filteroutlet of the first filter housing, the first filter valve biased towarda closed configuration in which fluid communication is substantiallyprevented through the first filter valve; a first filter configured tobe disposed in the filter chamber of the first filter housing; a firstfilter cap configured to be disposed between the connection portion ofthe first filter housing and the first filter to maintain the firstfilter valve in an open configuration to permit fluid communicationthrough the first filter valve between the filter chamber and the atleast one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet of the first filterhousing; and a manifold assembly comprising: a manifold body having amanifold inlet, a manifold outlet, and a first filter connection portionconfigured to engage the first filter housing to couple the first filterhousing to the manifold assembly; and a first valve member movablycoupled to the manifold body, the first valve member having a valveoutlet configured to communicate with the filter inlet of the firstfilter housing, and a valve inlet configured to communicate with thefilter outlet of the first filter housing, the first valve memberconfigured to be movable between a closed position in which fluidcommunication is substantially prevented between the manifold inlet andthe valve outlet of the first valve member, and an open position inwhich fluid communication is permitted between the manifold inlet andthe valve outlet of the first valve member; where the first filterconnection portion is configured to resist removal of the first filterhousing when the first valve member is in the open position.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, where the first valve member is rotatably coupled tothe manifold body, and the first valve member is configured to engagethe first filter housing such that rotation of the first filter housingby ninety degrees or less relative to the manifold body simultaneouslycouples the first filter housing to the manifold assembly and rotatesthe first valve member to the open position.
 13. The system of claim 11,where the first filter valve comprises: a valve body having a valve seatand coupled in fixed relation to the filter housing; a plunger having afirst end, a second end, and a passageway extending through the plungerand the second end, the plunger coupled to the valve body such that theplunger is movable between an open position in which the second end ofthe plunger is spaced apart from the valve seat and a closed position inwhich the second end of the plunger is pressed against the valve seat;and a spring configured to bias the plunger toward the closed positionwhere the filter valve is configured to permit fluid communicationthrough the passageway of the plunger if the plunger is in the openposition.
 14. The system of claim 11, where the connection portion ofthe first filter housing comprises a valve coupling portion, the firstvalve member comprises a filter coupling portion, and the filtercoupling portion is configured to engage the valve coupling portion ifthe filter housing is coupled to the manifold body.
 15. The system ofclaim 11, where the first filter housing comprises: a first housingmember; and a second housing member configured to be coupled to thefirst housing member and having the connection portion, the connectionportion having an inner side and an outer side that is configured toface away from the filter chamber, the outer side having the filterinlet and the filter outlet.
 16. The system of claim 11, furthercomprising: a second filter housing including a filter chamber, a filterinlet, and a filter outlet: a second filter configured to be disposed inthe filter chamber of the second filter housing; where the manifold bodyof the manifold assembly has a second filter connection portionconfigured to engage the second filter housing to couple the secondfilter housing to the manifold assembly; and where the manifold assemblyfurther comprises: a second valve member movably coupled to the manifoldbody, the second valve member having a valve outlet configured tocommunicate with the filter inlet of the second filter housing, and avalve inlet configured to communicate with the filter outlet of thefirst filter housing, the first valve member configured to be movablebetween a closed position in which fluid communication is substantiallyprevented between the manifold inlet and the valve outlet of the secondvalve member, and an open position in which fluid communication ispermitted between the manifold inlet and the valve outlet of the secondvalve member; where the second filter connection portion is configuredto resist removal of the second filter housing when the second valvemember is in the open position.
 17. The system of claim 16, where thesecond filter housing includes a connection portion having the filterinlet and the filter outlet of the second filter housing, the systemfurther comprising: a second filter valve coupled to at least one of thefilter inlet and the filter outlet of the second filter housing, thesecond filter valve biased toward a closed configuration in which fluidcommunication is substantially prevented through the second filtervalve; and a second filter cap configured to be disposed between theconnection portion of the second filter housing and the second filter tomaintain the second filter valve in an open configuration to permitfluid communication through the second filter valve between the filterchamber and the at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outletof the second filter housing.
 18. The system of claim 17, furthercomprising: a third filter housing including a filter chamber, a filterinlet, and a filter outlet; and a third filter configured to be disposedin the filter chamber of the third filter housing; where the manifoldbody of the manifold assembly has a third filter connection portionconfigured to engage the third filter housing to couple the third filterhousing to the manifold assembly; where the manifold assembly furthercomprises: a third valve member movably coupled to the manifold body,the third valve member having a valve outlet configured to communicatewith the filter inlet of the third filter housing, and a valve inletconfigured to communicate with the filter outlet of the first filterhousing, the first valve member configured to be movable between aclosed position in which fluid communication is substantially preventedbetween the manifold inlet and the valve outlet of the third valvemember, and an open position in which fluid communication is permittedbetween the manifold inlet and the valve outlet of the third valvemember; where the third filter connection portion is configured toresist removal of the third filter housing when the third valve memberis in the open position.
 19. The system of claim 18, where the thirdfilter housing includes a connection portion having the filter inlet andthe filter outlet of the third filter housing, the system furthercomprising: a third filter valve coupled to at least one of the filterinlet and the filter outlet of the third filter housing, the thirdfilter valve biased toward a closed configuration in which fluidcommunication is substantially prevented through the third filter valve;and a third filter cap configured to be disposed between the connectionportion of the third filter housing and the third filter to maintain thethird filter valve in an open configuration to permit fluidcommunication through the third filter valve between the filter chamberand the at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet of thethird filter housing.